In the underwater canyons off Northern California, a new species

Using small submersibles, scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have discovered a new species of coral living in the submarine canyons off the coast of Sonoma County.

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Associated Press /
November 6, 2014

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This Sept. 5, 2014 photo released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows a catshark egg nest showing yellow "mermaids purses," which are sacs containing eggs, found by NOAA researchers off the coast of Sonoma County, Calif. The research team also found a new species of deep-sea white coral. The discoveries were made in September as part of the first intensive exploration of California's offshore areas north of Bodega Head.

The coral from the genus Leptogorgia was discovered about 600 feet deep in the first intensive exploration of underwater canyons near the Gulf of Farallones and Cordell Bank national marine sanctuaries.

Collecting data on the 4-inch-long white and redcoral will help scientists determine the ecological importance of deep sea communities in the area and the threats they face, said the Farallones sanctuary's superintendent, Maria Brown.

"Deep-sea corals and sponges provide valuable refuge for fish and other marina life," Brown said. "Effective management of these ecosystems requires science-based information on their condition."

Before the research expedition two months ago, scientists knew little about the marine life in the area, NOAA said.

After multiple dives in the area, researchers also found a "highly unusual" nursery area for catsharks.

"This is a highly unusual nursery because rarely, if ever, are shark nurseries in the same area as skate nurseries," said Peter Etnoyer, a deep-sea biologist at NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science.

Submarine canyons often extend from the continental shelf to the deep sea, and exploring them can be difficult.